Faqus (Arabic: فاقوس Fāqūs, Coptic: ⲕⲱⲥ Kōs) is a city in Ash Sharqiyah Governorate, Egypt. Local attractions include ancient Egyptian monuments at Tell el-Dab’a, Qantir, and Omm Egrim.
Location of Faqus
Faqus is situated in Ash Sharqiyah (Sharkia), Lower Egypt, Egypt. Its geographical coordinates are 30° 43′ 47″ North, 31° 47′ 50″ East and its original name with diacritics is Fāqūs.
History
Faqus is identical to the ancient city of Phacusa (Ancient Greek: Φάκουσα Phákousa), which was the capital of the name of Arabia. It was subsequently mentioned by the medieval geographers Qudama ibn Ja’far, Ibn Khordadbeh, Maqrizi, Istakhri, Ibn Hawqal, and al-Muqaddasi.
The 1885 Census of Egypt recorded Faqus as a nahiyah in the district of Sawaleh in Gharbia Governorate; The town’s population was 1,610 (836 males and 774 females).
Faqous has a fascinating history and was used by Napoleon as a rest stop for his troops after defeating Maluk. The city extends over 486 square kilometres and includes many additional small towns and villages. It is situated in an important agricultural area comprised of both Bedouin and farm inhabitants. The textile and food industries are the city’s significant income sources, with other economic activities including poultry farming, land reclamation and other natural-resource-related enterprises. Near Faqous, the most popular tourist attractions include Tal el-Dab’a, Qantier, and Omm Egrim.
Major Attractions
Many historians believe that Belbeis, about 40 km south of Faqus, or Faqous was the birthplace of Moses; hence, Belbeis is mentioned as an important location in many religious and historical records of Egypt. During the Roman period, when Christianity spread in Egypt, Belbeis became an important centre for the Coptic Christian religion. Situated along the route taken by the Holy Family through Egypt, the city came to host several Christian Bishoprics. Belbeis is also mentioned in many historical records and several diaries of famous travellers throughout history who visited Egypt. For instance, Ibn Hawqal, the Arabian writer, chemist, and geographer, wrote of Belbeis in his “Book of Roads and Kingdoms.” Another popular place near Faqous is Kafr Elhoubi village, named after the Elhoubi family.
Airports Near Faqus
The city of Faqus is an excellent place to reach because of its proximity to many of Egypt’s airports. The nearest airport is Cairo International Airport, which is 77 km from Faqous. Other airports close to Faqous include Alexandria Airport, Borg El Arab Airport, Taba Airport, and Ovda and Sde Dov in Israel.
Tourism in Faqus
The panorama of Faqus with its tall buildings is appealing to stroll through and pleasant to the eye. The city is a treat for travellers, displaying a perfect combination of modernity and tradition while showcasing a rich cultural past. The tourist district in Faqous is steeped in history and replete with museums and monuments. There are also many accommodation options available in Faqous to suit any travel budget. Other amenities, such as car rental services, and travel assistance, are also readily available.
Cities near Faqous
There are numerous famous and significant cities located near Faqous town, including Cairo, Egypt (56.71 miles), Manyal Shihah, Egypt (63.74 miles), Al Jizah, Egypt (61.13 miles), Port Said, Egypt (46.3 miles), Suez, Egypt (67.87 miles), Al Mahallah al Kubra, Egypt (41.42 miles), Al Mansurah, Egypt (32.77, miles), Tanta, Egypt (47.72 miles), Zagazig, Egypt (20.38 miles), Ismailia, Egypt (29.31 miles). miles), Halwan, Egypt (68.36 miles), Damanhur, Egypt (81.95 miles), and Banha, Egypt (41.57 miles). Exploring the fascinating city of Faqous can be a simple addition to visits to any of the cities mentioned above.
Population
The city’s population is not very large and consists of 62,821 inhabitants, according to the latest figures. Faqus or Faqous is a town in Ash Sharqiyah Governorate, Egypt.
